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      Toyota Crown EV Prototype Expectation – 1,353 Km Range

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      Toyota’s next-gen solid-state batteryToyota’s Crown EV prototype demonstrated the company’s bipolar solid state batteries that will be the next big thing with EVs in the futureRange anxiety! The one hindering factor in EV growth. Regardless of range anxiety, EV sales are clocking higher numbers with every month. Advances in Battery tech and aero efficiency will go a long way in extracting a longer range than what is currently possible. Advances are underway in EV tech in the form of solid-state batteries that will ensure more range and less cost.Toyota wants to be at the forefront of solid-state batteries as it has dived head-first into this realm. Facing criticism for slower EV adoption, Toyota is showing the world that it means business when it does adopt. The automotive giant showcased its new-gen solid-state battery with a Crown sedan concept with 1,353 km of range on a single charge.Toyota’s Crown EV Prototype Has 1,353 Km RangeYes! You read that right. In a “Let’s Change the Future of Cars” workshop, Toyota revealed key details about its electrification roadmap. For starters, the company intends to offer both affordable EVs for the masses and enthusiast EVs with better capabilities. Toyota is comparing BZ4X, an EV it currently sells, with its next gen battery.For performance versions, Toyota will stick with monopolar NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese) batteries and promise 200% range of BZ4X. 200% of 615 km (range of BZ4X) is 1,230 km. This next-gen battery will grace the markets in 2026 with a 20% increase in cost efficiency as opposed to BZ4X’s battery cost. Charging time will be around 20 minutes for 10-80%.Toyota’s next-gen solid-state battery ExplainedToyota is working on a new type of bipolar LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate) battery for mass market offerings. This is likely to storm the market by 2026 and 2027. This battery promises 20% increase in range when compared to BZ4X’s 615 km range. This translates to 738 km of range.For the mainstream market, this is phenomenal considering charging time of 30 minutes for taking SOC (State Of Charge) from 10% to 80%. These new bipolar LFP batteries aim to be 40% more cost-effective than BZ4X’s batteries.Ushering new era of Battery tech and vehicular engineeringIf you observed closely, performance batteries are still monopolar in 2026. That will change till 2028. Toyota promises a high-performance bipolar solid-state battery promising a 10% increase in range and 10% increase in cost efficiency when compared to next-gen performance battery’s 1,230 km. This means a total range of 1,353 km and charging times for 10-80% is still 20 minutes.Toyota’s electric axlesToyota is not aiming to achieve this by the virtue of batteries alone. Reduction in weight, a smaller rear electric axle, more efficient aerodynamics based on a rocket’s hypersonic aerodynamics and other attributes. Toyota has already begun work on its bipolar solid-state batteries and showcased the same in a Crown sedan. The company intends to take charging time close to gasoline refueling times and cut down on range anxiety and cost associated with EVs. More

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      Mahindra BE.05 Electric spied along with XUV700 – Rear design revealed

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      Mahindra BE.05 rear designMahindra BE.05 eSUV will be the smallest and the least expensive SUVs among other Born Electric BE rangeIndian homegrown brand Mahindra is entering a new era of futuristic EVs. We’re not talking about the ICE spinoffs that XUV.e8 and XUV.e9 will be. Instead, we are talking about the Born Electric BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09. Mahindra designed these from the ground up, to be electric vehicles and will feature a wild design language.Mahindra showcased all five of its EVs and their expected design language on August 15th, 2022 at M.A.D.E HQ in UK. We had expressed how BE.05 will be the most important vehicle among the five showcased. Within a year, we can see Mahindra commencing testing for BE.05 on Indian roads. Now, for the first time, the rear profile has been caught on camera in Chennai, where it was seen testing along with XUV700.Mahindra BE.05 Rear Design SpottedWe have seen the front profile and its interiors before. Now, with rear design out, we can compile a basic silhouette to see how BE.05 might look like. For starters, we like what we see. At their debut, Mahindra had promised most of the design elements of the concept will make it to production phase.Looking at the production-spec body under testing, Mahindra is living up to its promise. Mahindra BE.05 looks just as wild as it did in its concept form. We can see how organic and animalistic BE.05’s design aesthetics really are. The rear gets massive LED tail light signatures that not only get connected-type elements, but they also extend further down as well.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUVIn effect, these LED tail lights are so dominating, they eat into the rear windshield quite a bit. This makes the rear windshield very small. Mahindra is offering a massive roof spoiler too, which is very stylistic in its appeal. But it further eats into the rear windshield area. Visibility at the back will not be BE.05’s forte.There is a vent-like element in the center of the rear bumper, which is highly likely to be for styling purposes only. BE.05 will not feature Mahindra’s Twin Peaks logo. Instead, there is an illuminated BE logo in rear tail lights. Rear haunches are immense and tyres look to be 235-section, which lends a lot of muscle to this SUV.What do we know so far?Mahindra is sticking to its plan and roadmap with INGLO platform that the company divulged at its debut event. This is a derivative of Volkswagen’s scalable and modular MEB platform, rebranded. Capacity will be between 60 and 80 kWh. INGLO platform is compatible with both single-motor and dual-motor layouts as well.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeMahindra BE.07 is a Creta-sized compact eSUV measuring 4370 mm in length, 1900 mm in width, 1635 mm in height, and boasts a wheelbase of 2775 mm. This will be the smallest and the most affordable electric SUV with Mahindra’s new INGLO platform. Vehicles in this segment top out at 50 kWh battery (MG ZS EV). It will be interesting to see how BE.05 fares in India and in global markets. XUV.e8 will be the first to launch, though. More

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      Mahindra XUV700 Electric SUV spied testing in Chennai

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      Spied XUV700 ElectricOn the inside, Mahindra XUV700 electric or XUV.e8 will feature a triple screen layout – One for instrumentation, one for infotainment and the last for front passengerThe Indian automotive market is opening up to the EV revolution more steadily than anticipated. At its forefront is Tata Motors. The company is expanding its EV portfolio vertically and will launch electrified versions of its flagship Harrier and Safari. Mahindra will counter Harrier EV and Safari EV with an electrified version of its XUV700.Mahindra has planned to launch five different electric SUVs based on the new INGLO platform. The company is testing it extensively and launch is likely to happen in 2024 or early 2025. Until now, all test mules didn’t show visual confirmations to suggest electric powertrains, until now. In the recent test mules, we can see HV cables running beneath the floor where the battery is. Spied XUV700 ElectricMahindra XUV700 Electric Test Mule – Harrier EV & Safari EV rivalRight after BE.05 test mules, we now get to see XUV.e8 (electric XUV700) test mules as well. This is a good indication that Mahindra is looking to launch them sooner than later. Competition in EV space is growing by the day. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Ram Prasath for sharing these new spy shots.The recent test mules show the presence of orange coloured cables at the back. Automotive powertrains have colour-coded cables. Blue coloured cables mean it carries around 36V to 42V, while Orange cables mean that they carry up to 1000V. These are also called HV cables (high voltage cables). Orange cables carry HV AC or DC current between charger, inverter, motor and battery.Spied XUV700 ElectricOn XUV.e8 test mules, these are present at the rear, which could be an indication of a rear-mounted single-motor or an AWD setup with dual motor layout. VW-sourced Mahindra’s INGLO platform supports both single-motor and dual-motor layouts.Apart from that, we can also see an independent rear suspension setup too. This will increase comfort for rear occupants. Rear independent suspension was on offer with Tata Indica and Indigo, but they are a rare find these days outside premium and luxury brands.What will it pack when launched?Mahindra XUV700 electric or XUV.e8 will pack Volkswagen-sourced MEB EV platform renamed INGLO. This is a modular and scalable platform that can be adjusted to suit a multitude of variations and applications. Mahindra has revealed battery sizes will be between 60 kWh and 80 kWh in size and will feature both single motor layout and dual motor layouts as well.It will pack all of XUV700’s strengths. We’re talking about ADAS tech, flush doors handles, 5-star crash-rated body shell, and an extensive features list including a panoramic sunroof, power adjustable driver’s seats with memory function, and a lot more. Mahindra’s XUV.e8 prototype in UK featured free-standing triple-screen layout on dashboard, which is highly likely to make it on production model.We don’t expect a lot of design changes to the main structure of XUV.e8’s body. Sheet metal body panels might be different and take on a wilder route. Mahindra XUV700 Electric prices could be around Rs. 30 lakh mark. Launch is expected to take place in late 2024 or early 2025. More

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      Putting the Brakes on Chandigarh ICE vehicle registration

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      Image for illustration purpose.Chandigarh ICE vehicle registration limits – Vroom or Gloom?The Chandigarh Administration is taking significant steps in its EV positive outlook. Chandigarh ICE vehicle registration limits is a solid move at the highest levels. One of the key initiatives is the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Policy 2022. This policy aims to limit and discourage the use of non-electric vehicles by setting registration caps. Let’s explore the registration limits for non-electric/ICE vehicles in Chandigarh.To ensure a gradual transition towards electric vehicles, the Administration has set reduction targets for non-electric vehicles. This includes a 10 percent reduction in 4-wheelers and an ambitious 35 percent reduction in 2-wheelers compared to the previous year.The Road Less Travelled: Chandigarh’s Drive to Ditch ICE VehiclesFor the current financial year, even higher reduction targets have been imposed, with a 20 percent reduction in 4-wheelers and a significant 70 percent reduction in 2-wheelers.As a result of these reduction targets, the registration of non-electric 2-wheelers will be halted after reaching the target of 6,202 registrations. Similarly, the registration of non-electric 4-wheelers will be capped after registering 22,626 vehicles. Once these targets are achieved, the registration of non-electric vehicles (both permanent and temporary) will no longer be allowed in Chandigarh for the fiscal.Taking Charge: Chandigarh’s Electric Vehicle Revolution BeginsImplementing registration limits for non-electric vehicles brings several advantages. Firstly, it helps control the number of ICE vehicles on the roads moving towards further reduction in air pollution and improved air quality in the city. All new vehicles sold at the moment are BS6 P2 compliant.Secondly, it encourages the adoption of electric vehicles, which are being spoken of as more environmentally friendly, and thereby contribute to a sustainable future. Moreover, by setting reduction targets, policy encourages individuals to consider alternative modes of transportation such as public transit, cycling, or walking. And of course you’ll have to think long and hard before buying an ICE vehicle because there’s no way of guaranteeing your vehicle will even be registered.ICE, ICE, Baby: Chandigarh Says ‘No More’The Administration has estimated that the target for non-electric 2-wheelers will be reached by the first week of July 2023. On the other hand, it is expected that the target for non-electric 4-wheelers will be achieved by the end of December.These timelines provide a clear indication of the progress towards eco-friendly transportation goals and the success of the registration limits in curbing the use of non-electric vehicles. The fiscal will clearly have months at an end when no new ICE vehicles will be registered. More

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      Mahindra CEO shares BE.05 Electric SUV interiors first look – Looks slick

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      Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeScheduled for launch in October 2025, Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV will rival the likes of Tata Curvv EV, Creta EV and Honda Elevate ElectricLast year in August, Mahindra had unveiled its upcoming born-electric range. There were two sub-brands, XUV (XUV.e8, XUV.e9) and BE (BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09). Among the two sub-brands, it’s the BE range SUVs that have a truly radical design. At the time of their unveiling, Mahindra had provided a clear roadmap about the launch of these new BEVs. With BE.05 test mule spotted on road tests, it indicates that Mahindra is keen on launching these electric SUVs as per the scheduled plan. Latest image gives us a sneak peak into the interiors of this futuristic Mahindra EV. The image was shared by Mahindra CEO, Rajesh Jejurikar. The images were clicked during a recent event, where Mahindra’s leadership team was driving this eSUV in Chennai city.Mahindra BE.05 – Captivating, futuristic designIn terms of its design, Mahindra BE.05 seems to have time-travelled into the 21st century from the future. With its radical design, BE.05 easily gets everyone’s attention on the streets. Most striking aspect is the front fascia, where the SUV gets massive C-shaped LED DRLs.Another key highlight is the layered design of the body panelling. As compared to smooth panels seen with other SUVs, BE.05 has aggressive cuts and creases all around. It gives the sense of a stealth aircraft with angular panels, designed to deflect radar waves.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeMahindra BE.05 is expected to have roomy interiors. The SUV measures 4,370 mm x 1,900 mm x 1,635 mm (L X W X H) and has a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. This seems adequate for comfortably seating five adults. BE.05 is expected to get a range of hi-tech features including ADAS.Mahindra BE.05 electric SUV coupeOther highlights could include a large horizontally-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument console, premium sound system, wireless charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. BE.05 will have embedded 5G network capability. Users will be able to access new features via OTA updates. The SUV will comply with the strictest safety standards, such as those defined by GNCAP.Mahindra BE.05 range, performanceMahindra born-electric SUVs will be based on the INGLO platform. Battery options will be available from 60 to 80 kWh. Range will be around 450 km. All Mahindra BEVs will support fast charging with a 175 kW fast-charger. With this, users will be able to load up to 80% in less than 30 minutes. This will go a long way in eliminating range anxiety. Users won’t have to worry about waiting for hours to charge their vehicle.Mahindra BEVs including BE.05 will be offered in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive formats. Power output will be 170-210 kW and 250-290 kW, respectively. BE.05 and its siblings will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in around 5 to 6 seconds.While it’s BE.05 that has been spotted, the first Mahindra BEV to be launched will be XUV.e8. It will go on sale in December 2024. BE.05 will come around a year later in October 2025. Similarly, XUV.e9 will debut in April 2025 and BE.07 in October 2026. Launch timeline of BE.09 is yet to be announced. More

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      2024 Mahindra XUV500 Coupe SUV Spied – Or is it BE.05 Electric?

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      New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?It is likely that the test mule spotted is either new gen Mahindra XUV500 to rival Creta or BE.05, which is planned for launch in October 2025With the launch of XUV700, Mahindra discontinued XUV500. But they promised to bring the XUV500 back, in a new gen avatar, probably based on their futuristic BEV design language. Now, a test mule has been spied in Chennai, which could likely be the new gen XUV500 coupe SUV.It is also possible that this could be one of their new born electric SUV. Last year in August, Mahindra had unveiled its born-electric range. It includes the XUV range (XUV.e8, XUV.e9) and the BE range that has BE.05, BE.07 and BE.09. All of these are based on the born-electric INGLO platform. Apart from the new technology, the test mule also wears a unique, colourful camouflage wrapping. It is quite different from the usual black and white wrapping seen on Indian roads.2024 Mahindra XUV500 Coupe SUV or BE.05 Electric?As compared to the radical design of the concept unveiled last year, the test mule has transformed into a more practical form. While the core silhouette and design of the front fascia have been retained, the panelling is now a lot smoother. The concept version had deep grooves and sharp curves, which have been chiselled down a bit. However, BE.05 continues to have a sporty and unique styling, unlike any other Mahindra car in production right now.Some of the key highlights include C-shaped LED DRLs, sculpted tapering bonnet, squarish wheel arches and sporty alloy wheels. As compared to the concept that had camera-based rear-view assembly, the test mule can be seen with conventional ORVMs. At rear, some key features of BE.05 include a tapering roofline with sporty spoiler, prominent tail gate and full-width LED strip.New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?Inside, Mahindra BE.05 has two large touchscreens and sporty two-spoke steering wheel. The SUV has an aircraft-style large gear selector and a rotary control dial. The driver and front passenger area are neatly divided into two separate sections by the central console. BE.05 will have premium upholstery and soft-touch surfaces all around.New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?Mahindra BE.05 range, specsWhile official numbers are not available, it is expected that Mahindra BE.05 will have a range of around 400-500 km. Mahindra BEVs based on the INGLO platform will be powered by LFP battery packs. Both Blade and Prismatic cell architectures will be used. Battery packs will be in the range of  60-80 kWh. These are chargeable with high-powered 175 kW fast-chargers that can load up to 80% in less than 30 minutes.Underpinned by the INGLO platform, Mahindra BEVs including BE.05 are promising an exhilarating performance. Both rear wheel and all-wheel drive options will be available, generating 170-210 kW and 250-290 kW respectively. 0 to 100 kmph will be achievable in just 5 to 6 seconds.New Mahindra XUV500 Spied or is it BE.05 Electric Coupe SUV?BE.05 will be 4,370 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,635 mm tall. It will have a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. All Mahindra BEVs will be getting a comprehensive range of advanced safety features. They will comply with leading safety benchmarks such as GNCAP. Equipped with 5 Radars-1 Vision ADAS architecture, Mahindra BEVs based on INGLO platform are future ready up to L2+ autonomy. More

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      Honda to launch 5 New SUVs in India – Elevate Electric by 2026

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      Honda ElevateHonda Cars India Ltd. revealed that Elevate is the first of the five SUVs for Indian marketThe Japanese brand re-opened its account in SUV space of India by unveiling Elevate compact SUV. At this event, HCIL revealed some key strategies it has on its cards for the Indian market. For starters, Honda Elevate will be on offer in India first and more global markets will follow soon.The company intends to make its Indian manufacturing plants, its export hub. Elevate will be the first of five SUVs planned by Honda. Elevate Electric launch has also been confirmed. This will be Honda’s first fully electric SUV for India and launch will happen within the next three years (by 2026).Honda Plans 5 New SUVsTakuya Tsumura, CEO and President of HCIL, promised a strong product strategy for India. Of these 5 new SUVs, one will be Elevate and second will be an electric SUV based on Elevate. It is not clear as to which will be the other three SUVs.Considering competition launch plans, there could be a smaller entry level SUV to rival the likes of upcoming Punch EV and the Exter EV. While the other could be a mid-size electric SUV, bigger than the Elevate. It will rival the upcoming XUV700 electric and Safari electric.Honda Elevate InfotainmentAlso, Honda intends to bring its global models to India again via CKD or CBU route to fortify its portfolio in the country. As of now, Honda only has Amaze sub 4m sedan and City compact sedan on sale in India.The company will manufacture Elevate at its manufacturing facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan. Honda is likely to increase production capacity to incorporate Elevate and upcoming future vehicles. Honda currently has 326 dealerships across 238 cities and all of these dealerships will see an upgrade in customer interface along with Elevate’s launch.Honda’s product positioning with ElevateCompact SUVs are currently one of the highest-selling SUV segments in India with over 36K units sold in April 2023. Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos dominate this segment while Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara has entered top 3. This is a highly competitive segment and Honda is betting big in this space with Elevate. Given that India is one of the fastest-growing markets, there is scope for growth. More

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      Electric Cars Sales May 2023 – Tata, Mahindra, MG, BYD, Kia, Hyundai

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      MG Comet EV Image – Vinay PatilAs revealed by FADA (Federation of Automobile Dealers Association), Electric car sales witnessed 2.5% penetration in the automotive industry in May 2023With the onslaught of increasing electric vehicle adoption, EV sales are increasing by quite a respectable margin. India is still young where EV charging infrastructure is concerned. This leads to people getting skeptical about EV ownership and many EV buyers have expressed their disappointment as well.Despite all that, EV space is growing at an unprecedented rate. Total sales stood at 7,437 units in May 2023. As opposed to 2,961 units sold in May 2022 and 5,834 units sold in April 2023, Electric car sales registered 151.17% YoY growth and 27.48% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 4,457 units YoY and 1,603 units MoM.Tata Motors topped Electric car sales with 78.28% market shareWhen it comes to EV penetration in the automotive industry, it stands at 2.5%, up from 2.1% in April 2023 and up from 1.0% in May 2022. Highest-seller is still Tata Motors and by a big margin. The homegrown company sold 5,822 units last month which accounted for 78.28% market share among all other EV makers. Tata has come a long way too as it sold 2,501 units last year and 4,392 units a month before. In effect, Tata registered 132% YoY growth and 32.56% MoM growth. Volume growth for Tata Motors stood at 3,321 units YoY and 1,430 units MoM.MG took second place with 437 units and registered 74.80% YoY growth and 30.45% MoM growth. With the launch of MG Comet, we expect sales to increase in the coming months. Mahindra currently has just one EV in its arsenal.Electric car sales May 2023 vs May 2022 – YoY comparisonMahindra sold 363 XUV400s last month and saw 3933.33% YoY growth as opposed to just 9 EVs sold in the same month last year. That said, Mahindra faced 28.12% MoM decline which should be slightly alarming to the company as it has to counter Nexon EV. Citroen sold a healthy 308 units of eC3. As opposed to 229 units sold in April 2023, Citroen saw 34.50% MoM growth.Electric car sales May 2023Hyundai currently has Kona EV and Ioniq 5 on sale in India. In total, Hyundai sold 163 units with a solid 503.7% YoY growth and 219.61% MoM growth. Volume growth stood at 136 units YoY and 112 units MoM. With the launch of Hyundai Creta EV in the future for the mainstream market, sales will go up considerably.EV space saw 151.17% YoY growth and 27.48% MoM growthChinese EV giant BYD is currently the world’s highest EV maker. But in India, BYD has a limited portfolio that ensured 138 units with 228.57% YoY growth and 10.39% MoM decline. BMW India sells i4 and iX EVs and totalled 70 units last month and became the highest luxury EV seller in India. BMW saw 677.78% YoY growth and 16.67% MoM growth.Electric car sales May 2023 vs Apr 2023 – MoM comparisonKia sold 45 units of EV6 in India with 32.35% MoM growth as opposed to 34 units sold a month before. Volvo sold 42 units of XC40 Recharge in India, which is India’s most affordable dual motor EV. There was 23.53% MoM growth. The three-pointed star sold 18 EVs in India with 260% YoY growth and 33.33% MoM decline. Other brands combined, sold 31 units which saw 73.73% YoY decline and 138.46% MoM growth. More